OPEN SEASON ON CYCLISTS ?

Season  of Peace and Goodwill to ALL ? Are YOU kidding ?
The only good thing about the Festive season is that it is nearly over ! Unseasonably warm weather here in Austria , has seen me out on the bike most days , instead of on Touring Skis . Despite dental and stomach problems , i have been able to get 3+hrs daily , on the bike , on the dry roads in sunny weather , even dressed as if out on a Summer's Day at the Giro or TDF.

Whilst the normal expectation for the Tirol is good snow , this season it arrived in the East Tirol , particularly around Lienz , where i spent the weekend watching the Women's Ski races . The mothers of two local families were able to see their Daughters race in the World Tour . In previous posts , i have mentioned riding with Eva Marie Brem's mother , there are photos of them both elsewhere . Alexandra Daum's  family , whom i have also ridden with over the years , were also happily watching their Daughter come in at 17th in her race .

Elsewhere , the Internet has  reported any number of Outrageous behaviours towards Cyclists in a variety of countries . I have had my share of " Mutants " that decide that Cyclists have NO RIGHTS on the roads , even recently on an empty , quiet country road , where a " local " decided to express their displeasure with klaxon/horn as they passed " tapping " their " empty? head "! This incident escalated and left the local Polizei telling mr that drivers EXPECT Cyclists to use the " Cycle Paths ( cluttered with snow , ice & stones )"?

Here are a FEW of the links to World Wide Cycling Stories that i have seen in recent days :

http://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/story/1994036/cyclist-killed-in-alleged-hit-and-run-at-lower-inman-valley/?cs=1537

http://road.cc/content/news/104036-lorry-driver-jailed-death-careless-driving-kent-cyclist

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/felix-baur-killed-while-training-in-spain

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/9555204/Cyclist-hit-by-egg

http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-78481974/

http://t.co/jXhw8ppgag

http://www.keyetv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/cyclist-killed-crash-crusaded-bike-lanes-15105.shtml

http://globalvisionremixed.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/what-is-a-cyclists-life-worth-in-australia/

http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/melbourne-man-killed-in-los-angeles-riding-bike-20131224-2zvw4.html

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/cyclists-allegedly-assaulted-on-beach-road-20131228-300kp.html

http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1995867/cyclist-killed-on-west-tamar-highway/?cs=95

http://www.watoday.com.au/rugby-union/wales-rugby/woman-crashes-with-cyclist-in-byford-20131229-301ex.html

Many MORE stories are out there , but as a lone voice , i have few options to try to assist in creating the breakthrough needed to help bridge the divide between Cyclists ( Vulnerable Road Users ) and Motorists (Careless, Aggressive or MINDLESS ) .

World Wide , there are numerous " Cycling safety Org.s " in many Countries , each have their NEEDS  , Ideas & Initiatives that could be used by OTHERS , to meet the same target : SAFE USE of the ROADS BY CYCLISTS ! 

 Politicians in most English speaking Countries are BUSY promoting Cycling for many reasons . They see the opportunity to reduce " Infrastructure Costs " , reduce Health services and WIN votes . SElf serving Media Op.s have been created by Boris Johnson , Mayor of London with his Blue Paint Super Highways ? David Cameron , Prime Minister of U.K., hopping on his down market mountain bike with a Helmet hanging off his handlebars ? Tony Abbott on the Sunday of his Election to Prime Minister of Oz , riding his Up market street bike , properly kitted out , with his mates . Years ago we were seeing George Bush , out on his MTB with a guy he possibly no longer wishes to talk with , i know the former Premier of Sth Oz , no longer wishes to be reminded of that person .

Knowing that Politicians and EVEN Police Forces are ONLY Interested in their OWN backyard , i thought that Creating an opportunity for ALL the International Safety Groups to come together would be appropriate. Seems that this idea has fallen short of my expectations :

https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/ioc-chairman-thomas-bach-create-an-international-umbrella-cycling-safety-organisation

Are there any of my readers that are NOT Interested in Sport ? How many Athletes , grew up without aspiring to succeed to High Level Competition , perhaps even the Olympics ?  Most High level Athletes use Cycling as Cross Training , even " Jo public ",  uses Spinning at the Gym as a form of exercise . Fact is some form of Cycling Exercise is used by most that aspire to Fitness or Competition .

This petition , could have been aimed at the UCI as the manager of the " Umbrella Org. " , but since Skiers , Rowers and other Athletes using Leg Muscles , take to the ROADS for Cross Training , i thought to make the agenda more inclusive . Thinking Social media would assist i have posted links in " Twitter , Facebook & LinkedIn " , virtually to no avail !

Currently i have been advised by " @change " , that i could be addressing the Petition to the wrong person ? WHO runs IOC ?  Thomas Bach having recerntly taken over from Jacques Rogge , no doubt delegates responsibilities to OTHERS , but WHEN did you contact the low man on the totem pole to get the BOSS to take action ? So far @change has not seen fit to reply to my request that they assist in promoting to the "Social Media World "! " LinkedIN " tell me that i have numerous contacts :

Your LinkedIn Network

955 Connections link you to 9,852,113+ professionals

14,320 New people in your Network since December 23

Oh yeah ? ALL ASLEEP during the Festive Season ?

Facebook show 4000+ friends ! I know of a couple that are awake !

Twitter show 217 followers at present , my blogs used to be posted automatically after " publishing " , not any more it seems ?

IN summing up SOCIAL MEDIA appears to be a DEAD LOSS !

Once again i wsould like to remind People that December 2013 has been UNKIND to Cyclists , certainly in those English Speaking areas that i see reported .

I use my bike to " Advocate Para Sport " at the Grand Tours , i have NO WISH to join their Community !

Each Cyclist is alone on their bike , yet the following is what they can expect as an Individual .

  

Any doubts about the DANGERS on a bike , visit this Hospital workers feed :

https://twitter.com/jessica_r_lane

Those that are adverse to wearing Helmets , may have been  reminded of the NEED , with the recent terrible news of Michael Schumacker ? Every Ski story about him shows him wearing a Helmet ! 

Addendum :

Earlier there was a link to THOSE Mutants that chose to attack Melbourne Cyclists , weighing in on this Story is the FAMOUS FOOT IN MOUTH , Melbourne Radio/Media "star"( legend in his own mind ) Darren Hinch :

http://www.humanheadline.com.au/hinch-says/no-love-lost

Must have read my Facebook comment to the article on Saturday :

 "  With the rego plate visible in the photo , it is likely that the Police will take MORE Severe action AGAINST any Cyclist retaliating against these Mutants , thaese Mutants , were NOT aware of the damage they were creating should seek counselling ? That they were not locked up IMMEDIATELY demonstrates thast the Police are condoning the CONTINUAL BULLYING of Cyclists, let alone unable to HONOUR their Responsibilities to the Community they " Serve & Protect "!

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY . Lest WE forget ?

TODAY we recognise the FALLEN, from a variety of  World WARS and other conflicts . Many of those were Volunteers and Draftees, but increasingly they are those that chose the Profession . Regardless of their Motivation , those of us in the FREE World, should be thankful for their sacrifice .

Behind those lost on the battlegrounds , are so many more that arrived home with Life Changing Injuries and Health problems . These People also deserve recognition ! Many will have had to rebuild their lives , since they will be missing Limbs or suffering from Mental Issues , which are not readily visible . It is only in recent times that " Post Traumatic Syndrome " is regarded as a REAL Health complaint . Sad that so many were ridiculed , even shot during the World Wars , having been regarded as Cowards and also Malingerers?

Increasingly Paralympic Sport , has been treated as a way , to rehabilitate Troops , returning from the battlegrounds . Since the Sydney 2000 Paralympics , more and more countries are finding that their best Athletes are coming from Military Backgrounds . Somewhere i saw a report , that less than 9% of "Physically Challenged People " , were born with Disability . This surely must demonstrate that there are far too many suffering Accidents and becoming the Casualities of Military actions ?

Even today we are seeing News Reports of the Phillipines Disaster , reports of the DEAD , continue to mount , yet there is no mention of those that suffer Life Changing Injury . Perhaps some of those will succumb to their injuries , due to inadequate Hospital Facilities ? When you look at the scale of the  2004 Sunami Losses and the Haiti Disasters , it is easy to pass onto what is about to happen in Vietnam because of the same Weather System ?

Amongst my Tweets today , there was a reminder of the " Remembrance Sunday " in Canada :

1. Rick Hansen Fdn ‏@RickHansenFdn9 Nov

   @CDNParalympics thinking about the returning veterans who paved the way & inspired me as a young athlete http://cnw.ca/w0WXm  #TrueHeroes

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2. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour3h

   @RickHansenFdn @SO_SL @CDNParalympics @AUSParalympics @AUSOlympicTeam At the going down of the sun...WE will REMEMBER THEM! Lest WE FORGET!

No doubt there will be similar Tweets and Facebook posts throughout the day?


With the IRAQ Conflict over , and the Afganistan Conflict reaching it's conclusion in 2014 , we are still in a Dangerous World ? The Kenyan Outrage demonstrates that there are those that wish to influence our lives ?

Even when we are NOT in a Conflict , there are those that have to adjust to the horrors they suffered in serving US ! Today Phillip Hammond MP , reported from Helmand Base , that for EACH Trooper lost , there were more than 2 sent home missing Limbs . Those " Injured Personnel " , will spend the rest of their Lives , living in a different manner to what their Families had anticipated when they signed up for the " Armed Services "? With even 100% vigilance by the Policing and Security Forces , there will still be the inevitable Casuality , in these modern Guerilla Actions ! Shameful actions of these people , still garner " News Network" attention , regardless of the atrocities perpetrated .

WHILST it is important that Citizens Rights are observed , i feel sure that removing the over the top  "Sensionalism " from the Media Output , would help to reduce the " Terrorists' "  desire for publicity ? Yes we need to know that 5 were arrested for "Questionable Activities " . NO we do not need to know about a "British Woman " , that was married to a known terrorist tied into the " London Bombings "! Yet SKY news use this story as many as twice an hour , to promote their " WE GO WHERE THE STORY OCCURS " , self promotions ! They are not the only Media Outlet , that vigourously pats their OWN BACK by eulogising terrorist !

ADDITION on 11th November !

Tonight i wanted to see the funeral of the 99yo Airman that served with the "Dam Busters " of Bomber Command , in World War 2 ! With the Philippine Disaster front and centre , with ALL News Networks , it was necessary to wait . SKY News being the principal Network for the UK news , i waited . Of course they need to earn revenue to support Rupert Murdoch in the manner that he has become accustomed , so we go to Ads . YOU GOT IT ! Back Pat time , once again , AND , it being The NATIONAL DAY for Remembrance , ARMISTACE DAY , they worked in that " Sicko Widow of the London Bomber" in that Back pat ad , AGAIN !

WHO is the prat that thinks this is WORTHY NEWS Material ?

My tweets :

skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour9m

Respect. Admiration. Gratitude. To all the veterans who have served our C/wealth! Moving Tribute to 99yo Airman shows a Nation's GRATITUDE !

1. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour17m

   1/2 @skynews POPPY DAY, NOT the time to be eulogising the sicko widow of LONDON Bomber ! 17.19gmt your BackPAT Ad with her then 99yo burial!

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2. skippy mc carthy ‏@skippydetour18m

   2/2 @skynews R U giving Security Forces the finger,allowing terrorists drive your INCOME & set Your NEWS agenda? See http://parrabuddy.blogspot.com 

NOW decided that SKY TV , is the ADvertising Medium for terrorism ! This is another addition , since i returned at 18.17gmt , to find them rerunning an item about the 2011 Moscow Airport Bombing , then immediately there was a rerun of the Ad above ! ARE they giving me, the finger also ?

When so many Kenyans and Boston Marathon Victims were Killed and injured , the story is " THE Perpetrators " , not THE VICTIMS ! It is sickening that these Media Outlets , chose to ignore the plight of the victims ! How hard would it be to show the story of the Dancer , that lost a leg , once a day ? THAT Woman deserves a MEDAL , for her Positive approach to HER NEW LIFE ! She is an inspiration to ALL , yet these News Networks remind the "feeble minded aspirants " to the next atrocities , that they can expect recognition ,for GRUDGES against Society.

 HOW many of YOU , are like me , fed up of the News Networks treating Citizens with disdain ?

TIME we TOLD THEM that " Sensationalism of the SICK MINDED Perpetrators is NOT EVER ACCEPTABLE !

As i watch SKY NEWS present the Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Whitehall , i am awaiting THEIR next "PAT on the Back " info item ! It is a shame that the British Forces lost 10 Service members in the last 12 months AND they share the amount of " airtime time " as that sicko , that is being sought for a connection with atrocities in several countries . One wonders how the Families of those Quietly Recognised today , feel about their " LOST Family Members " being overlooked daily , yet for drumming up viewers SKY TV chooses " perpetrators of Atrocities "?

THE Queen has arrived , the 2 minutes of SILENCE will now be observed !

To those that SERVED , THANKYOU !

To those FALLEN :

  " They shall not grow OLD ...

 .. At the going down of the sun , WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM "!

SEARCHING FOR A LEGACY ?

When the " FAT LADY sings , the Game is OVER "!  phat is currently rocking the boat , so hard , that he is about to fall out ! Weeks after the " www.changecyclingnow.org petition came about , he is finally voicing his displeasure !  Acting to preserve his legitimacy , he is on the attack , claiming that the principals of " CCN " have a biased view of the UCI and his stewardship !


Does McQuaid get up every morning and ask himself, "what stupid thing will I say today?"



Here are a few of his remarks today :

  “  It seems clear to me that their leader, Jaime Fuller (who runs the clothing company Skins) is seeking to further his own business interests," McQuaid told AFP. "Then there is a journalist who wants to promote a book coming out shortly and a haematologist who claims to have a method of detecting blood transfusions for the next Tour de France. Why are they not working with the UCI or the World Anti-Doping Agency?    ”

Copied from :  http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/mcquaid-change-cycling-now-not-a-part-of-cycling

Further down the article , he asks what Greg LeMond , has done for Cycling in the past 25 years ?
  
  "  What have you done for cycling in the past 25 years?’ The answer is nothing,”

Even I , an outsider , is aware of the fact that Greg Lemond , won the 1990 " Le Tour " , then went on to create a Bike Company , apart from ALL the other matters that he has been involved with over the years ! 

A few of Greg LeMond's accomplishments , follow :


Copied from elsewhere :

 "  We will skip by Greg winning 2 Tours and a Worlds in the last 25 years - but for a man who has done "nothing" in cycling you sure did want to sue him, Right.

Also in the last 25 years (and not discussing aero bars and helmets, which most everyone readily acknowledges):

...led the Ti and Carbon revolutions (by proactively being the first to introduce them to the Pro peloton)...
...first to use drop bars
...first to use carbon forks
...first to use road suspension forks

...popularized spin bikes...

In the last 25+ years
...first to use a cycling computer
...first to use clipless pedals
...first to use hardshell helmet

He even used electronic shifting.

Now, shall we ask again who has done more for cycling when Pat doesn't even have anything in the positive column?

The question is a joke and Phat is a Pharce " .


Whilst disparaging others , phat is quick to " big himself "!

“People involved in cycling who I work with every day know what I have achieved as president.”

The feeble applause will be led by his Family , many of whom are involved with the Cycling Industry and other members of the " Swill Trough " , of which  he has control  !    

Looking at the results of this period , 1990 to present day , what has the UCI done to fight the greatest menace to Cycle Racing , " EPO " , and " Blood Doping " ? Even this year we see David George , one time member of an Armstrong Team , given a Two year Sanction for Anti Doping Offences !  Can phat claim success , when NOTHING has changed ?  Even the few advances that UCI has achieved were being created prior to phat taking the " reins "!

In recent days i have seen reports of a New Series of Races being projected to start in 2014 . This Initiative was brought about by the Czech Owner of the Quickstep Team , investing Time , Effort and Money . This Initiative is being considered favourably by the Owners of the Grand Tours . Amaury Sports Org. , owner of " Le Tour " and an investor in the Giro d'Italia and Vuelta Espana asked that UCI be involved , and thus the project was brought to tthe attention of UCI , who will now claim it as their own ?

Realising that he has lost any semblence of credibility , phat has created an additional " Stakeholders Commission " that will run independently of the " UCI Independent Commission ", which was  announced after the USADA Reasoned Decision . This Additional Commission will be conducted by the international auditing firm KPMG, a Dutch firm , which is one of the Big Four auditors . Their task : " will be to carry out a review of the governance of the UCI, as well as that of the Cycling Anti-Doping Foundation (CADF) " .   There will be a report produced , in time for its findings , to be debated in the consultation process . In addition, the UCI announced the discussion topics for the Stakeholders, will be divided into four “pillars”:
 globalisation;
 anti-doping;
 riders;
 the sports calendar.

 “In addition to all this , governance issues will be considered in all four pillars.”

Last week phat called on " Stakeholders to make submissions to the UCI by the 10th December about " Cycling's Bright Future " ! I wonder whether those making submissions caused so much alarm that phat decided on this " Commission " , so as to regain some of his lost ground ? If the " Terms of Reference " are similarly narrow as those of the  " UCI Independent Commission " then my POV , is that we will see more smoke and mirrors !

Change Cycling Now has made such an impact that the " UCIIC " has called on them to make submissions . Currently there are 4600 signed to the Petition created by "" CCN " , calling for the dismissal of phat & heinous .

 Here is what Jaimie Fuller is reported to have said about the approach of " UCIIC " to " CCN " :

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ucis-independent-commission-wants-change-cycling-now-input

"We were approached immediately after yesterday's press conference in London and today I met with legal representatives of the commission," said CCN's creator, Jaimie Fuller. "I shall discuss the approach with the other members of the Change Cycling Now panel and we will consider the appropriate action."

As yet i have not seen , the reply from CCN to " UCIIC "! One thing is certain , not ALL that wish to make submissions are happy with the " Terms of Reference "!  WADA has submitted the following Tweet :
  

WADA-AMA ‏@wada_ama

WADA confirms meeting with UCI independent commission lawyers and notes concerns over terms of reference #no2dopinghttp://tinyurl.com/aopalcn 

This is the Cyclingnews article , setting out in more detail their reservations :

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wada-president-has-concerns-about-uci-independent-commission

Many other parties have expressed their disapproval of the " T of R " , since their publication .

With the Swiss Athorities considering Paul Kimmage's submissions last month , i am left wondering what phat can claim as " HIS LEGACY ",  for the years that , we , the cycling fans , have had to endure , during the period of mismanagement , under his stewardship ?

With phat claiming UCI as a democracy , i was reminded of a comment that i read today  :

"  While I think Lemond's qualifications as the UCI leader can be debated, saying "the UCI is a democracy" as a defensible argument made me laugh a bit. 

But I might be wrong, we've also had the "Democratic" republics of Congo, Korea and the Germany for comparison. They had their electoral systems in place too.

Most of the leaders of these democracies could be regarded as " Despotic " if not as " War Criminals " deserving of sentencing by the Hague Court !

Noticed some  " Clinic Comments "  about phat's latest misfire to the media :

Yesterday, 21:41

Dr. Maserati  Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 8,499

I have to say it is actually one of the funniest things I have read in cycling for a while - and when you think Pat has competition from Ligget that's quite a task. Lets take it from the top: Quote: "It seems clear to me that their leader, Jaime Fuller (who runs the clothing company Skins) is seeking to further his own business interests," Yes Pat - that is why Fuller is suing you guys, as you and the cabal have damaged the sport. Quote: "Then there is a journalist who wants to promote a book coming out shortly" Hmm, whats that book about again? Quote: ...and a haematologist who claims to have a method of detecting blood transfusions for the next Tour de France. Why are they not working with the UCI or the World Anti-Doping Agency?” Did Ashenden make that claim - of course not. Also, Ashenden did work with the UCI and he says you owe him some money, which he will give to the Kimmage fund. Quote: “They have discussed nothing with us; they only spoke of their own interests for two days in London,” McQuaid said. “They are not part of cycling, they have no mandate, no status, but they do have a conflict of interest." Yes Pat - they are not talking with you, they are talking about you - and I doubt you would want to take their call. Quote: “Greg was a great cyclist who I’ve known since the time when I was the organizer of the Tour of Ireland back in the 1980s, but I would ask him: 'What have you done for cycling in the past 25 years?’ The answer is nothing,” McQuaid said. “I find it a little bit arrogant for him to say he is prepared to serve as interim president of the UCI. The UCI is a democracy, there is an electoral system in place. If he wants to, he can always seek the support of his national federation and stand for election next September.” We will skip by Greg winning 2 Tours and a Worlds in the last 25 years - but for a man who has done "nothing" in cycling you sure did want to sue him, Right. Quote: “People involved in cycling who I work with every day know what I have achieved as president.” And your family thank you for it. Quote: “If they say our attitude was inadequate, we’ll take the necessary measures to ensure that this sort of thing won’t happen again in the future with a big name rider,” he said. “In the USADA report on Armstrong, there were many accusations that we reject. The UCI is serene and convinced that the independent commission will show that these allegations are not justified as the UCI has always been a pioneer in the fight against doping. “I think there is enough proof that the state of cycling is completely different today to what it was in the Armstrong era.” So, when you say something that happened with Armstrong (woops) wouldn't happen with another big name rider we have to ignore that you were attempting to delay admitting Contadors positive?

  "  The only reason that McQuaid is still President of the UCI is that the system is not democratic. Just look at the corrupt national federations. Another great example of irony from fat Pat.
Even more relevant is the fact that Hein rigged the 2005 UCI presidential election (the only one where Pat was opposed) so Pat would win. Expect more of the same next year."

  "  After a week where we saw unbelievable stupidity with the Katusha announcement, then Alberto's amicable settlement (check the CAS language used, not by accident...), we now have Pat deciding to publicly take on CCN and rubbish an initiative which few people have heard of, let alone who is in it and what their positions are. Thanks Pat for the additional media coverage."

  "  Not sure what PR advice he got, or whether he ignored it, but all he has done, as he did by taking on Kimmage in originally announcing legal proceedings, is to give credence to the CCN cause and make a yet bigger turkey of himself in the media."

  "  Good on ya Pat, little need for fans to try to remove you, you're doing a great job furthering the cause yourself. "

CAN WE ALL , write , tweet , phone and Lobby the relevant people to observe the UCI Constitution processes ?


Patrick McQuaid's re-election as President could be the KEY ? UCI Article 51 provides sufficient access to the " removal process " !

Rather than trying to influence the majority of National Federations not to vote for McQuaid's re-election it would be more direct, more certain and economical , to concentrate on one National Federation - Cycling Ireland.


  UCI Article 51states :

1. The candidates for the presidency shall be nominated by the federation of the candidate.

The candidates for the nine other elected offices shall be nominated by the respective continental confederations.

2. Under penalty of inadmissibility, the nominations must be written in English or in French and deposited at the registered office of the UCI ninety days prior to the date of the Congress.
Kneecap McQuaid by lobbying Cycling Ireland to not nominate McQuaid for re-election in 2013.

FINALLY , i found a report of the letter to Katusha , from the " Licencing Commission "!

 Nothing to do with " UCI " ?

This tweet has the link , to the photo of the letter , which i am unable to copy :

the Inner Ring ‏@inrng

"Dear Katusha we'll explain things soon". Note the non-UCI letterhead, Licence Commission semi-independent from UCIpic.twitter.com/CbXOWljd

Those interested in HOW Pro World TEAMS ARE SELECTED ", can check out the following :

EMAIL comments to Sky News today ; Friday 14 Dec 2012 :

1/

  "  Watching your report at 930GMT on Sky News , in Austria , i saw your footage of " Pat Mc Quaid's " views on Greg Lemond !

My blog www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com reveals more for your " OVERWORKED staff " to consider !
Also a visit to www.changecyclingnow.org will reveal the extent that Mc Quaid is out of step with the truth of his situation !

Will post this to the blog , since i doubt that your people will show other than bias to Mc Quaid ( I call him phat , as do others ) & co !

Now changing channel to ORF to watch the skiing ! Perhaps your team would find that there are Brits interested in Chemmy & others ?



FYI : this comment required numerous pages in your website to find ! Used 12MB at 16byte/sec ! OUTRAGEOUS that you make it so difficult for the " public " to express their POV !"

2/


http://www.skysports.com/opinion/story/0,,16299_8309970,00.html

Can see why NOBODY saw fit to reply to this biased report !

Saw the Sky News report at 9.30GMT , today , showing "phat Mc Quaid's  " derogatory remarks about Greg LeMond and suggest you read www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com to get a clearer picture of what is " REALLY GOING ON "!

Fact is " phat is on the fire " , now looking at an exit strategy , though will likely be " dragged out " of his mismanaged position ! Falling on his " Sword in an honourable way " is unlikely !

Signing onto the www.changecyclingnow.org Petition will help to speed his exit !

Add yourself to the following also :

http://www.change.org/petitions/wada-create-an-amnesty-in-all-sports …
&
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/office-of-the-governor-general-of-australia-create-the-means-for-a-sports-amnesty-in-australia#invite …

http://www.facebook.com/AmnestyForAllSportsAthletesNow?skip_nax_wizard=true

Sky Sports response :
Server Busy

Sorry, the servers are currently under heavy load; Your View has been disabled.
Please try again later

Do they think i want to waste another 20MB on people that ONLY report ONE side of a story ?


Those hearing of the successful " YORKSHIRE " Le Bid " can visit my post in August , when i rode with Francesco Moser ! Photos of us both wearing the " Le Bid shirt in St Johan in Tirol , are to be found there !



Saturday 15th DEC

Sad to see that Newtown , CT , USA , was visited by Evil , that is allowed to continue to exist , because the " NRA Org. " , is funding any politician , that advocates in favour of the Second Amendment !

GO TO :

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/president-of-united-states-of-america-repeal-the-2nd-amendment

Help to change the GUN CULTURE  , NOW ! 

 More of my views on this matter in :    www.skippyaus.blogspot.com

JEANNIE LONGO ! A Legend in our Time !

Podium Cafe did a post on the remarkable " Jeannie Longo " whom i have had the pleasure of meeting many times since the original encounter in Sydney 2000 Olympic period when she was recognoitering the "Womans Road Race Route "!

The Podium comments threw up an interesting article from 2001 but the Lady is now 10 years older and even more competitive and as long as she keeps winning the National Titles i hope she refuses to retire !

Jeannie is an Inspirational Sporting ICON and there are people who being jealous of her commitment and passion for Road Race Cycling tend to scorn her accomplishments ! They are the losers since everything she does for Womens' Cycling benefits her Country and colleagues ! THE LINK !


In googling for information about Jeannie i disovered this blog :

http://cyclingart.blogspot.com/2011/06/jeannie-longo-58th-for-1958.html

Of course the best source of information remains " WIKI " !:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeannie_Longo

This site also has a wealth of information and links to other sites , which site was put together by fourth grade students with a passion for cycling ! :

http://www.pocanticohills.org/womenenc/longo-ciprelli.htm

There is a facebook item also that i found but am unsure of the authorship :

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jeannie-Longo

There is also an item to be found by ESPN , the TV Channel in USA who used to report from the Tour de France :

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/fanguide/athlete?athlete=8239



AS mentioned in my post on " El Diablo " i first encountered Jeannie when i rode the Sydney Women's Olympic Road Race course with her the Sunday before the race . Since that time i have enjoyed being recognised by her at many cycling events and recall being introduced to her father in Sion at the " Romandie " after the Women's Time Trial .

BLOG COMMENTS

15/06/10 recently as i travelled through Torino to the "Dauphinee Libere" i stayed with my "Host" at the 2006 Torino Winter Olympics. He told me of the difficulty to "FolloW" and we then sorted out the problem, we thought! He and a neighbour both signed on but i only see one there at present.

Apologies to all those who have experienced the same difficulties but if you do please send me a comment or email me at skippi@ausi.com because it is important for me and those needing "sponsors" that we get this sorted so that good results will come along !On the right hand side of the blog there is now a "Follow " button please persevere !


Following items lifted from my “Facebook Wall entries” in reply to numerous emails generated by an item appearing on “Eurosport TV” in various parts of the world. Thanks to Ken H. I will post the video when it downloads correctly to my computer, at present audio but no visual.

1/4 Those who know me will have seen the "Old fart in a yellow rain jacket"being pushed along at the finish line of the Giro d'Italia last Saturday on Eurosport TV! Emails from around the world have asked for an explanation so here goes!

Each day that i ride the full route i try to ride to the finish line but not cross on the bike as that i feel is for the Race winner!

2/4 Security these last years are adamant that if i do not ride across then they will remove me, the way i came. Some of these Uniformed guys think they are still part of the "Goose steppers" and behave like them!

Saturday i started out from the east side of the Passo Tonale rode over the top and as i passed through the finish area the security guys knocked me off the bike and roughed me up for previous occasions.

3/4 Sunny weather and getting this crap start but i continued down to the entrance to the Passo Gavia which was blockaded by the Forest Police so i went through the car park and onto the road higher up as did some other bike riders. At Bormio i collected a number of Promised items and 30 mins before the race start set off down the route to Tirano and waited there for the racers to pass.

1/4 Weather continued sunny until the racers passed then as i headed to Aprica and Edolo the clouds and rain arrived ! By the time i passed Edolo the rain was heavy and going up the climb of Passo Tonale to the finish line was hazardous. In the final kilo the rain eased and as i got off the bike the "Thugs" moved in again so i made a meal of the hassling hoping that the camera would see the "Thuggery"! At Aprica the previous evening there had been Photographers happily snapping away although I did not see their results as yet.

During the past several weeks we have been entertained by reports of “Mini B/Bracket motors”! Does anyone think that Cancellara needs an assist to bury Boonen(sour grapes ,methinks) in the race up that slope even if the motor was capable of 140rpm!

Cozybeehive.com comment!

Interesting article and i will be adding "cozybeehive.com" to my blog(Parrabuddy)!
Evening of the rest day of Giro at Brunico i was talking to the Mechs at a few of the Teams some of them having seen Cassani's report. Laughable was the most prevalent comment.
Over the years i have watched frames being built into bikes outside team buses which entertains the Media and public alike. Some will even pick up a variety of items as the mechs. work. Do you really think that a Pro. would consider using this "Toy" except when paid to do a "parody".
Even i would not find value in this "toy" except as extra weight for a faster descent!
Cassani is someone i meet regularly and i am sure there are others that find him "evasive" and his reports "suspect"! Not even sure he knows all that he has claimed to have seen.
Last year at the Giro i had a drink with him, Paulo & Auro and offered my bike as a backdrop on his evening RAI TV report. Istead of "Disabled sport" and the bike decals getting publicity as agreed, he attacked the position of the "San Marco Carbon Saddle". Position for me is comfort during 6 - 8hrs each day and this year i find Bettini using the same saddle albeit in a slightly different position.
Had a few laughs with Pat Mc Quaid on Plan Corones about this story as well as "mr worm's exposures", 4 years pass and we are still reading "same old, same old" , time to move on to the real racers and those currently are coming from Australia to fill their wardrobes with a variety of Coloured shirts!

Another comment added to "Cozy"!

Musseuw(king of belgium cheats?), yes met him whilst he was escorting clients after his retirement.
Have you seen the blog and my thoughts that "Cheats get 4yrs unless they make Public confession and the sentence can be reduced to 2yrs!
"Tagged in the house banned from "ALL cycling related business activity" is the way to go! They are Social Pariahs, with no redeeming features so keeping them from corrupting the sport in any manner is my take on the situation.
Professional Racers remaining in the sport are at a disadvantage against those who have had an "enforced holiday" and so return fresh to collect "plaudits and prize money"!
Do the Crime, Serve the Time but no longer be allowed to compete in the "Pro Tour Races is another disincentive to Cheating your way to "Fame & Fortune"!
This year has been disillusioning to many Genuine Clean Racers as the fickle fan base welcome back those who have had the 2yr holiday.
Problem is that there are still those like FRei who think we the public will accept their unconscienable behaviour.
Past years the Giro had a 8pm programme i would attempt to appear on or have the wheel with the decals on display there, saw the way "Prima Donna Cassani" would deal with people and at Salzburg worlds rode with him as we circuited looking for stories, treated many with distain and was put out when Italians asked me to introduce my friend, so he even rubs Racers up the wrong way!
Cancellara/Saxo bank build their bikes in full view of the public and i have been the recipient of "used parts" as they renovate the existing race bikes. Each racer has good & bad fitness levels during the season and if Fabian targeted his fitness levels and had Stewie tow him to the point where he could do the business on Tom then "Well done Stewie"!
Basso had my mate Silvo tow him and Cadel over the mountains and i told Cadel several years ago that this "Maestro " was a real asset as Damiano will vouch.

As you can see I have a lot to learn about “blogging”as the computer is once again doing it's thing to my English when I try to correct an error in spelling.

Presently working on a new “Blog” which will cover my exploits at the “Tour de France 2010” but will only be available to those registered as “Followers”. Those already “bookmarked“ on “Parrabuddy” need only to go to the “Nav bar” and press “Follow” the others will have to visit “Fatcyclist.com & Cyclocosm.com" whilst entertaining themselves in their employers time, since there will be no input to Parrabuddy!

OLYMPIC SUMMARY

Bad news day, after several hours out on the bike in two sessions of several hours I find that some sponsorship is not going to happen for the 2010 Project. There are 380 profile visits on the Blog which is only part of the picture as once someone first visits they do not need to check the profile again particularly as they “Bookmark” the site. Sponsors do not look at this but the number of “friends” does get to figure in their equation. Started to pay more attention to “face book” as a source of contact and although I messaged over a hundred people this past week the link to the blog , last week only seven visited through face book . What I had hoped was that with the Paralympic Games due to start next week many more would have visited to checkout the link to the TV coverage amongst other matters.


No doubt people are busy but I can only draw a parallel to twitter where I put an item in “we follow” and got ten new followers immediately, all were from “spivs” looking to build their numbers as they offered to make me rich! Once I posted a comment on this aspect most disappeared within hours. Would like to think that those who “request friend” with me on Facebook are looking to help support “Disabled Sport” as that has been the mission the past twelve years and I am not looking for numbers but supporters who will commit some help to the primary purpose! This past week there has been visitors from 24 countries including Tanzania, India and Ukraine from Google as a link. Amazes me how small the world can become.



New candidate for the “PYGMY Team” found today as I rode up the Gerlos Pass this morning , hit this Link for "Item 2"if you want the Whole story. Photo represents the vehicle colours not the vehicle. Overcast day started with spring like weather so I was out on the bike after 9am enjoying a respite from the winter chill suffered in previous days. After the climb towards Gerlos I went to Mayrhofen and then onto the climb to Finkenberg that I did a little slower yesterday. Climbing at the moment requires a higher cadence to get the same time results that I had last year, no doubt as my strength and confidence returns I will ride in 5th instead of 7th cassette gear when making these climbs. After lunch I was out in sunshine to the north of the valley and going north was wind in the face and the return was easier in the sun albeit with a steady incline.

The Olympics are over and so the “Witch Hunt” starts , local papers are full of the letdown that is being expressed due to the results which is as a result of a lack of Men’s Alpine Ski Medals , a situation that has not occurred since the start of the Winter Olympics Events. Torino 2006 produced 14 medals out of the 30 available! Was that result enough at the time, can’t recall too much in the media about that subject! What is apparent is that the Ladies brought home a Gold and some Silver and Bronze Medals which had it been Australia would have meant there being a ticker tape parade. I did note the disappointment on an Austrian face shown on Eurosport when he realised that he had missed the Bronze. At Torino he had taken home a Gold amongst the collection. Benny has taken responsibility for his results unlike some who are trying to blame the support staff.

Russia has also started a “witch hunt” as they also suffered a drop in prestige in the medal count and they are the next hosts. All I can offer is that as they refocus they will be assured a better result next time as they will have “Home Town Advantage” even if they do not produce some new talent in the intervening years. As I listened to a report about the Russian President’s remarks I had visions of Putin leading the team from the front by participating in the Karate Events. Canada is also in this boat as whilst every other sport enjoyed success the Alpine Team as a whole misfired and not a medal fell into their hands despite their best efforts. The “Canadian Cowboys” were no match for the “Crazy Canucks” of yesteryear.

In an earlier posting I quoted “It’s not whether you win or lose but HOW you play the Game”, well the Athletes entertained us as they excelled and I did not see any bad sportsmanship although I am sure the TV channels were on the lookout for examples!

THANKYOU TO ALL THE ATHLETES FOR YOUR GREAT EFFORTS AND I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR FURTHER SUCCESSES AT OTHER VENUES !!